Multimode wireless communication device

ABSTRACT

A multimode wireless communication device includes a first radio section operably to convert outbound analog baseband signals into first outbound RF signals and to convert first inbound RF signals into inbound analog baseband signals when the wireless communication device is in a first mode of operation and a second radio section that performs similar functions in a second mode of operation. A diplexer section includes a first diplexer for coupling to a first antenna, and a second diplexer for coupling to a second antenna, and that selectively couples the first radio section to one of the first antenna and the second antenna, and that selectively couples the second radio section to one of the first antenna and the second antenna. First and second T/R switches are coupled to the first and second diplexers and to respectively, to the first and second radio sections.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority under 35 USC§121 as a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/643,170,entitled, “MULTIMODE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE,” (Attorney DocketNo. BP3211C1), that was filed on Dec. 20, 2006, pending, that itselfclaims priority under 35 USC §120 as a continuation of U.S. Pat. No.7,177,662, entitled, “MULTIMODE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE,”(Attorney Docket No. BP3211) that was filed on Apr. 2, 2004, issued onFeb. 13, 2007, the contents of which are all incorporated herein byreference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to wireless communication systems andmore particularly to wireless communication devices that operate in suchwireless communication systems.

2. Description of Related Art

Communication systems are known to support wireless and wire linedcommunications between wireless and/or wire lined communication devices.Such communication systems range from national and/or internationalcellular telephone systems to the Internet to point-to-point in-homewireless networks. Each type of communication system is constructed, andhence operates, in accordance with one or more communication standards.For instance, wireless communication systems may operate in accordancewith one or more standards including, but not limited to, IEEE 802.11,Bluetooth, advanced mobile phone services (AMPS), digital AMPS, globalsystem for mobile communications (GSM), code division multiple access(CDMA), local multi-point distribution systems (LMDS),multi-channel-multi-point distribution systems (MMDS), and/or variationsthereof.

Depending on the type of wireless communication system, a wirelesscommunication device, such as a cellular telephone, two-way radio,personal digital assistant (PDA), personal computer (PC), laptopcomputer, home entertainment equipment, et cetera communicates directlyor indirectly with other wireless communication devices. For directcommunications (also known as point-to-point communications), theparticipating wireless communication devices tune their receivers andtransmitters to the same channel or channels (e.g., one of the pluralityof radio frequency (RF) carriers of the wireless communication system)and communicate over that channel(s). For indirect wirelesscommunications, each wireless communication device communicates directlywith an associated base station (e.g., for cellular services) and/or anassociated access point (e.g., for an in-home or in-building wirelessnetwork) via an assigned channel. To complete a communication connectionbetween the wireless communication devices, the associated base stationsand/or associated access points communicate with each other directly,via a system controller, via the public switch telephone network, viathe Internet, and/or via some other wide area network.

For each wireless communication device to participate in wirelesscommunications, it includes a built-in transceiver (i.e., receiver andtransmitter) or is coupled to an associated transceiver (e.g., a stationfor in-home and/or in-building wireless communication networks, RFmodem, etc.). As is known, the transmitter includes a data modulationstage, one or more intermediate frequency stages, and a power amplifier.The data modulation stage converts raw data into baseband signals inaccordance with a particular wireless communication standard. The one ormore intermediate frequency stages mix the baseband signals with one ormore local oscillations to produce RF signals. The power amplifieramplifies the RF signals prior to transmission via an antenna.

As is also known, the receiver is coupled to the antenna and includes alow noise amplifier, one or more intermediate frequency stages, afiltering stage, and a data recovery stage. The low noise amplifierreceives inbound RF signals via the antenna and amplifies then. The oneor more intermediate frequency stages mix the amplified RF signals withone or more local oscillations to convert the amplified RF signal intobaseband signals or intermediate frequency (IF) signals. The filteringstage filters the baseband signals or the IF signals to attenuateunwanted out of band signals to produce filtered signals. The datarecovery stage recovers raw data from the filtered signals in accordancewith the particular wireless communication standard.

Such a transceiver enables a wireless communication device to functionin a particular wireless communication system. For example, if thetransceiver is designed to function in an IEEE 802.11a compliantwireless communication system, the transceiver is only operable in sucha system and cannot be used in a another wireless communication system(e.g., an IEEE 802.11b or g compliant wireless communication system).With the advent of multiple wireless communication standards (e.g., IEEE802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, etc.) it would be advantageous if awireless communication device could operation in multiple wirelesscommunication systems with minimal added complexity to the one wirelesscommunication system transceiver structure.

Therefore a need exists for a multiple mode wireless communicationdevice that is operable in multiple standard compliant wirelesscommunication systems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The multimode wireless communication device of the present inventionsubstantially meets these needs and others. In one embodiment, amultimode wireless communication includes a digital baseband processingmodule, an analog to digital converter module, a digital to analogconverter module, a first radio section, and a second radio section. Thedigital baseband processing module is operably coupled to convertoutbound data into outbound digital baseband signals and to convertinbound digital baseband signals into inbound data. The analog todigital converter module is operably coupled to convert inbound analogbaseband signals into the inbound digital baseband signals. The digitalto analog converter module is operably coupled to convert the outbounddigital baseband signals into outbound analog baseband signals. Thefirst radio section is operably coupled to convert the outbound analogbaseband signals into first outbound radio frequency (RF) signals and toconvert first inbound RF signals into the inbound analog basebandsignals when the wireless communication device is in a first mode ofoperation. The second radio section is operably coupled to convert theoutbound analog baseband signals into second outbound RF signals and toconvert second inbound RF signals into the inbound analog basebandsignals when the wireless communication device is in a second mode ofoperation. Such a multiple mode wireless communication device isoperable in multiple standard compliant wireless communication systems.

In another embodiment, a multimode wireless communication deviceincludes a first integrated circuit and a second integrated circuit. Thefirst integrated circuit includes a digital baseband processing module,an analog to digital converter module, a digital to analog convertermodule, and a first radio section. The second integrated circuitincludes a second radio section. The digital baseband processing moduleis operably coupled to convert outbound data into outbound digitalbaseband signals and to convert inbound digital baseband signals intoinbound data. The analog to digital converter module is operably coupledto convert inbound analog baseband signals into the inbound digitalbaseband signals. The digital to analog converter module is operablycoupled to convert the outbound digital baseband signals into outboundanalog baseband signals. The first radio section is operably coupled toconvert the outbound analog baseband signals into first outbound radiofrequency (RF) signals and to convert first inbound RF signals into theinbound analog baseband signals when the wireless communication deviceis in a first mode of operation. The second radio section is operablycoupled to convert the outbound analog baseband signals into secondoutbound RF signals and to convert second inbound RF signals into theinbound analog baseband signals when the wireless communication deviceis in a second mode of operation. Such a multiple mode wirelesscommunication device is operable in multiple standard compliant wirelesscommunication systems.

In yet another embodiment, a multimode wireless communication deviceincludes a first integrated circuit, a second integrated circuit, and athird integrated circuit. The first integrated circuit includes adigital baseband processing module, an analog to digital convertermodule, and a digital to analog converter module. The second integratedcircuit includes a first radio section. The third integrated circuitincludes a second radio section. The digital baseband processing moduleis operably coupled to convert outbound data into outbound digitalbaseband signals and to convert inbound digital baseband signals intoinbound data. The analog to digital converter module is operably coupledto convert inbound analog baseband signals into the inbound digitalbaseband signals. The digital to analog converter module is operablycoupled to convert the outbound digital baseband signals into outboundanalog baseband signals. The first radio section is operably coupled toconvert the outbound analog baseband signals into first outbound radiofrequency (RF) signals and to convert first inbound RF signals into theinbound analog baseband signals when the wireless communication deviceis in a first mode of operation. The second radio section is operablycoupled to convert the outbound analog baseband signals into secondoutbound RF signals and to convert second inbound RF signals into theinbound analog baseband signals when the wireless communication deviceis in a second mode of operation. Such a multiple mode wirelesscommunication device is operable in multiple standard compliant wirelesscommunication systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication devicein accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a diversity antenna arrangementthat may be used by a wireless communication device in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an alternate wirelesscommunication device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a wirelesscommunication device in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the 1^(st) and/or 2^(nd) radiosection of a wireless communication device in accordance with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication device10 that includes a digital baseband processing module 12, ananalog-to-digital converter module 14, a digital-to-analog convertermodule 16, a 1^(st) radio section 18, and a 2^(nd) radio section 20. Thewireless communication device 10 may be operable in multiplestandardized wireless communication systems including, but not limitedto, IEEE 802.11a systems, IEEE 802.11b systems, and IEEE 802.11gsystems.

The digital baseband processing module 12 includes a processing moduleand associated memory. The processing module may be a single processingdevice or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing devicemay be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The memorymay be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information.Note that when the processing module 32 implements one or more of itsfunctions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operationalinstructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitrycomprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry. The memory 34 stores, and the processing module32 executes, operational instructions corresponding to at least some ofthe steps and/or functions illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

The digital baseband processing module 12 is operably coupled to convertoutbound data 36, which may correspond to raw data produced by a hostdevice coupled to the wireless communication device 10 and/or raw datagenerated by the wireless communication device 10 for transmission, intooutbound digital baseband signals 38. The digital baseband processingmodule 12 may convert the outbound data 36 into the outbound digitalbaseband signals 38 by performing one or more of forward errorcorrection coding, interleaving, mapping, performing an inverse fastFourier transform, adding a guard interval, and/or symbol wave shaping.

The digital baseband processing module 12 is also operably coupled toconvert inbound digital baseband signals 32 into inbound data 34. Suchprocessing may include performing guard interval removal, fast Fouriertransform, demapping, deinterleaving, and/or forward error decoding.Such processing of inbound and outbound data by the digital basebandprocessing module may be in accordance with one or more of, but notlimited to, the IEEE 802.11a standard, IEEE 802.11b standard and/or theIEEE 802.11g standard.

The digital-to-analog converter module 16 is operably coupled to convertthe outbound digital baseband signals 38 into outbound analog basebandsignals 40. The 1^(st) radio section 18 and 2^(nd) radio section 20 bothreceive the outbound analog baseband signals 40. In a 1^(st) mode ofoperation 22 of the wireless communication device, the 1^(st) radiosection 18 is enabled to convert the outbound analog baseband signals 40into outbound radio frequency signals 42. In this mode, the 2^(nd) radiosection 20 is inactive. In a 2^(nd) mode of operation 24 of the wirelesscommunication device, the 2^(nd) radio section 20 is enabled and the1^(st) radio section 18 is disabled. In this mode, the 2^(nd) radiosection 20 converts the outbound analog baseband signals 40 into theoutbound RF signals 44. Note that in one embodiment, the 1^(st) radiosection 18 may convert the outbound analog baseband signals 40 into theoutbound radio frequency signals 42, wherein the outbound radiofrequency signals 42 have a carrier frequency of approximately 2.4 GHz.Further note that the 2^(nd) radio section 20 may convert the outboundanalog baseband signals 40 into the outbound radio frequency signals 44,where the outbound radio frequency signal 44 have a carrier frequency ofapproximately 5.2 to 5.7 GHz.

When the wireless communication device is in the 1^(st) mode ofoperation 22, the 1^(st) radio section 18 may receive inbound radiofrequency signals 26. In this instance, the 1^(st) radio section 18converts the inbound radio frequency signals 26 into inbound analogbaseband signals 30. The analog-to-digital converter module 14 convertsthe inbound analog baseband signals 30 into the inbound digital basebandsignals 32. The digital baseband processing module 12 converts theinbound digital baseband signals 32 into the inbound data 34 inaccordance with the 1^(st) mode of operation 22, which may correspond toIEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, or IEEE 802.11g.

When the wireless communication device is in a 2^(nd) mode of operation24, the 2^(nd) radio section 20 may receive inbound radio frequencysignals 28 and convert them into the inbound analog baseband signals 30.The analog-to-digital converter module 14 converts the inbound analogbaseband signals 30 into the inbound digital baseband signals 32. Thedigital baseband processing module 12, in accordance with the 2^(nd)mode of operation 24, converts the inbound digital baseband signals 32into the inbound data 34.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a diversity antenna arrangementthat may be utilized by the wireless communication device 10 totransceive radio frequency signals. In this embodiment, the diversityantenna arrangement includes two antennas 50 and 52, two diplexers 54and 56, and two transmit/receive switches 58 and 60. As shown, diplexer54 is coupled to antenna 50 and diplexer 56 is coupled to antenna 52. Ina diversity application, either antenna 50 is enabled or antenna 52 isenabled via the diversity selection, which also enables thecorresponding diplexer 54 or 56. For instance, if antenna 50 isselected, diplexer 54 is activated while diplexer 56 is deactivated.

Each transmit/receive switch 58 and 60 is operably coupled to bothdiplexers 54 and 56. As is further shown, transmit/receive switch 58 iscoupled to the 1^(st) radio section 18 while transmit/receive switch 60is coupled to the 2^(nd) radio section 20. As coupled, either the 1^(st)or 2^(nd) radio section 18 or 20 may be activated to transceive radiofrequency signals via either antenna 50 or 52. For example, if the1^(st) radio section 18 is activated during the 1^(st) mode of operation22 and antenna 52 has been selected, diplexer 56 is activated andtransmit/receive switch 58 provides the coupling between the 1^(st)radio section 18 and the diplexer 56. Alternatively, if the 2^(nd) radiosection 20 is activated when the wireless communication device is in the2^(nd) mode of operation 24, and antenna 52 is selected, thetransmit/receive switch 60 provides the coupling between diplexer 56 andthe 2^(nd) radio section 20.

As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, the transmit/receiveswitch 58 and 60 may be implemented on-chip with the corresponding radiosections 18 or 20 or off-chip with respect to the radio sections 18 or20. Further, diplexers 54 and 56 may be implemented on-chip with thetransmit/receive switch 58 and/or off-chip with respect to thetransmit/receive switch 58 or 60.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication device70 that supports multiple wireless communication standards including,but not limited to, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g. In thisembodiment, the digital baseband processing module 12, thedigital-to-analog converter module 16, the analog-to-digital convertermodule 14 and the 1^(st) radio section 18 are implemented on a singleintegrated circuit 75. The 2^(nd) radio section 20 is implemented on a2^(nd) integrated circuit 80. As is further shown, both the 1^(st) and2^(nd) radio sections 18 and 20 are operably coupled to an antennastructure 82 which may be implemented as illustrated in FIG. 2 or mayinclude a single transmit/receive switch coupled to a single antenna.

As is further shown, the digital-to-analog converter module 16 includesan in-phase (I) digital-to-analog converter 16-I, and a quadrature (Q)digital-to-analog converter 16-Q. Similarly, the analog-to-digitalconverter module 14 includes an in-phase analog-to-digital converter14-I and a quadrature analog-to-digital converter 14-Q.

The digital baseband processing module 12 includes a control module 76,an inbound data media specific access control protocol layer (IN-MAC), acoupling module, an inbound physical layer (IN-PHY) for IEEE 802.11b, aninbound physical layer (IN-PHY) for IEEE 802.11a, a 1^(st) multiplexer72, a 2^(nd) multiplexer 74, an outbound physical layer (OUT-PHY) forIEEE 802.11b, an outbound physical layer (OUT-PHY) for IEEE 802.11a, adecoupling module, and an outbound media specific access controlprotocol module (OUT-MAC). As configured, the digital basebandprocessing module 12 may convert the outbound data 36 into the outbounddigital baseband signals 38 in accordance with IEEE 802.11a, IEEE802.11b or IEEE 802.11g under the control of control module 76. When thedigital baseband processing module 12 is to perform in accordance withIEEE 802.11a, the control module 76 enables the outbound MAC layer toconvert the outbound data 36 into outbound symbols in accordance withIEEE 802.11a and provide, via path “a”, the symbols to the outboundphysical layer for IEEE 802.11a. The outbound physical layer IEEE802.11a converts the symbols into the outbound digital baseband signals38, which via multiplexer 74, are provided to the in-phase andquadrature digital-to-analog converters 16-Q and 16-I.

When the digital baseband processing module 12 is to operate inaccordance with IEEE 802.11b, the control module 76 enables the outboundMAC layer to convert the outbound data 36 into outbound symbols “b”. Theoutbound physical layer for IEEE 802.11b converts the outbound symbolsinto the outbound digital baseband signals 38 which, via multiplexer 74are provided as in-phase and quadrature signals to the digital-to-analogconverters 16-Q and 16-I.

When the digital baseband processing module 12 is configured to supportIEEE 802.11g, the control module 76 enables the outbound MAC layer toconvert the outbound data 36 into symbols “g”. The decoupling moduledecouples the symbols and provides the decoupled symbols to the outboundphysical layer for IEEE 802.11b and to the outbound physical layer forIEEE 802.11a. The outputs of these physical layers are combined toproduce the IEEE 802.11g compliant outbound digital baseband signals 38which, via multiplexer 74, are provided to the in-phase and quadraturedigital-to-analog converters 16-I and 16-Q.

Depending on the mode of operation, the control module 76 enables the1^(st) radio section 18 and disables the 2^(nd) radio section 20 suchthat the 1^(st) radio section for IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11g operationis enabled to convert the outbound analog baseband signals 40 into theoutbound RF signals 42. Alternatively, if the mode of operationcorresponds to IEEE 802.11a applications, the control module 76, via theinterface to the 2^(nd) integrated circuit 80, enables the 2^(nd) radiosection 20 and disables the 1^(st) radio section 18. As such, the 2^(nd)radio section 20 may convert the outbound analog baseband signals 40into the outbound radio frequency signals 44.

When the wireless communication device is in an IEEE 802.11b mode, RFsignals are received via the antenna structure 82 and the 1^(st) radiosection 18. The inbound radio frequency signals are converted intoinbound analog baseband signals 30 and provided to the in-phase andquadrature analog-to-digital converters 14-I and 14-Q. The in-phase andquadrature analog-to-digital converters convert the inbound analogbaseband signals 30 into inbound digital baseband signals 32.

In this mode, multiplexer 72 is enabled, via control module 76, toprovide the inbound in-phase and quadrature digital signals to theinbound physical layer for IEEE 802.11b applications. The inboundphysical layer for IEEE 802.11b converts the inbound digital signalsinto inbound symbols that are provided to the inbound MAC layer. Theinbound MAC layer converts the inbound symbols “b” into the inbound data34.

When the wireless communication device 70 is in IEEE 802.11g operation,the 1^(st) radio section 18 is activated and the 2^(nd) radio section 20is deactivated. As such, the 1^(st) radio section 18 receives theinbound RF signals and converts them into inbound analog basebandsignals. The digital-to-analog converters convert the in-phase andquadrature components of the inbound analog baseband signals intocorresponding digital baseband signals. In this mode, multiplexer 72provides the inbound digital baseband signals to both the inboundphysical layers for IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11a. The outputs of theinbound physical layers are provided to a coupling module, whichcombines the symbols produced by each physical layer into the symbolsfor IEEE 802.11g. The inbound MAC layer converts the symbols “g” intothe inbound data 34.

When the wireless communication device 70 is in an IEEE 802.11a mode,the 1^(st) radio section 18 is deactivated and the 2^(nd) radio section20 is activated. In this instance, the 2^(nd) radio section 20 receivesinbound radio frequency signals and converts them into inbound analogbaseband signals that are provided to the in-phase and quadraturedigital-to-analog converters 16-I and 16-Q. The resulting digitalin-phase and quadrature baseband signals are provided via multiplexer 72to the inbound physical layer for IEEE 802.11a. The inbound physicallayer produces inbound symbols in accordance to IEEE 802.11a which areprovided to the inbound MAC layer. The inbound MAC layer converts theinbound symbols into the inbound data 34.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another wireless communicationdevice 90 that includes 3 integrated circuits 82, 80, and 84. In thisembodiment, the 1^(st) integrated circuit 82 includes the digitalbaseband processing module 12, the in-phase and quadraturedigital-to-analog converters 16-I and 16-Q, and the in-phase andquadrature analog-to-digital converters 14-I and 14-Q. The 2^(nd)integrated circuit includes the 2^(nd) radio section 18 and the 3^(rd)integrated circuit 84 includes the 1^(st) radio section 18. In thisembodiment, control module 76 of the 1^(st) integrated circuit iscoupled via a control interface to both integrated circuits 80 and 84.The control interface may be a 4-wire joint test action group (JTAG)interface. The processing of inbound data in accordance with IEEE802.11a mode of operation, IEEE 802.11b mode of operation and IEEE802.11g mode of operation is conceptually the same as described withreference to FIG. 3.

In this embodiment, the control module 76 establishes the particularmode of operation via the control interface with the 2^(nd) and 3^(rd)integrated circuits 80 and 84. For instance, when the wirelesscommunication device 90 is in an IEEE 802.11a mode of operation, thecontrol module 76 enables the 2^(nd) radio section 20 and disables the1^(st) radio section 18. In addition, the 802.11b processing core withinthe digital baseband processing module 12 is disabled (i.e., no clocksignals). To disable the 1^(st) radio section, the 4-wire interfacecoupled thereto is inactive, which may be achieved by setting all thesignals thereon to zeros. In addition, the 802.11g physical layer modeof operation is placed in an 802.11a mode. Still further, the clockgenerator of the 1^(st) integrated circuit 82 provides clocking signalsto the 2^(nd) integrated circuit 80.

To place the 1^(st) radio section 18 in a disabled mode, the transmitpower-up input, the receive power-up input, the synthesizer power-upinput, the antenna select input and the transmit/receive switchselection inputs are all set to zero. This may be done by writing to theradio frequency overrides of the 1^(st) radio section 18 prior toentering the IEEE 802.11a mode of operation. In addition, the crystalpower-up input for the 1^(st) radio section 18 should be set to zero,which can be controlled through the general purpose input/outputregisters of the 1^(st) radio section 18.

When the wireless communication device 90 is to be placed in the IEEE802.11g mode, the 2^(nd) radio section 20 is inactivated and the 1^(st)radio section 18 is activated. Further, the 4-wire interface with the2^(nd) radio section 20 should be deactivated and the clock signalsproduced by the 1^(st) integrated circuit should be supplied to the1^(st) radio section 18.

To place the 2^(nd) radio section 20 in an inactive state, the receiveenable, transmit enable, voltage control oscillation enable, crystalenable should all be set to zero, which can be done via the 4-wireinterface with integrated circuit 82. Further, the antenna select andtransmit/receive select inputs of the 1^(st) radio section 18 should beset to zero, which may be done by writing to the radio frequencyoverrides prior to entering the 802.11g mode of operation. Stillfurther, the power amplifier of the 1^(st) radio section 18 should bedisabled, which again can be done by writing to the RF overrides priorto entering the IEEE 802.11g mode of operation.

The control module 76 also provides functionality to switch from beingin one mode of operation to another. For example, when the wirelesscommunication device is in an IEEE 802.11g mode of operation and desiresto switch to IEEE 802.11a mode of operation, the control module 76controls such a transition as follows. To achieve this transition, thecontrol module disables the power-down of the 2^(nd) radio section 20.After doing this, the control module 76 writes to the “g” physical layeroverride controls to set the 1^(st) radio sections transmit power-up,receive power-up and synthesizer power-up to zero thus, beginning toturn-off the 1^(st) radio section. The control module 76 then waits fora period of time (e.g., a few microseconds) for the crystal oscillatorof the 1^(st) radio section 18 to settle.

The control module then sets the 802.11a physical layer synthesispower-up override to zero for the 1^(st) radio section 18. The controlmodule then sets the receive power-down receive signal strengthindication power-down, VCO power-down to zero of the 2^(nd) radiosection 20 via the 4-wire interface, which begins to enable the 2^(nd)radio section 20. The control module then asserts a physical layer resetand waits for a few microseconds for the reset to propagate through thedigital baseband processing module 12.

The control module then disables the 802.11g mode of operation withinthe digital baseband processing module 12 and then waits for a fewmicroseconds for the reset to propagate throughout the digital basebandprocessing module 12. The control module then couples the clock signalsgenerated by the 1^(st) integrated circuit to the 2^(nd) radio section20 in the 2^(nd) integrated circuit and then disables the clockconnections with the 3^(rd) integrated circuit, which supports the1^(st) radio section 18. After wait periods for the phase locked loop ofthe 1^(st) integrated circuit to settle and the frequency synthesizer ofthe 2^(nd) integrated circuit to settle, the control module 76 removesthe reset condition of the digital baseband processing module 12 andthen places it in the IEEE 802.11a mode of operation. The digitalbaseband processing module 12 then writes to the “a” physical layeranalog override controls to disable analog overrides thereby enablingthe IEEE 802.11a mode of operation.

The control module may also coordinate the switching from IEEE 802.11amode of operation to IEEE 802.11a mode of operation to IEEE 802.11g modeof operation. In this mode transformation, the control module 76 beginsby enabling the crystal oscillator of the 1^(st) radio section 18 on the3^(rd) integrated circuit 84. The control module then powers down thetransmit, receive and VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) of the 2^(nd)radio section 20 via the 4-wire interface and waits for the crystaloscillator of the 3^(rd) integrated circuit to settle. The controlmodule then writes to the “g” physical layer override registers toremove overrides on the synthesizer power-up, which may be done byutilizing the “b” physical layer override controls and/or dedicated “g”override controls.

The control module then enables the “g” mode of operation within adigital baseband processing module 12 and adjusts the phase locked loopof the 1^(st) integrated circuit 82. After a wait period, the clock ofthe 1^(st) integrated circuit is coupled to the clock of the 3^(rd)integrated circuit and a wait period is begun for the clocks tosynchronize.

The control module then writes to the “g” physical layer overrideregisters to remove overrides on the transmit power-up and receivepower-up for the “g” mode of operation. The control module then disablesthe 2^(nd) radio section 20 and writes to the “g” physical analogoverride controls to disable analog overrides for the “g” mode ofoperation which now may be commenced.

The control module further controls switching into the 802.11g mode ofoperation after a power-on reset. This may be done by turning on thecrystal oscillator within the 3^(rd) integrated circuit and waiting aperiod of time (e.g., microseconds) for the oscillator to settle. Next,the control module asserts the physical reset and sets the “g” mode ofoperation to 1. The control module then selects the 3^(rd) integratedcircuit 84 output clock for the 1^(st) integrated circuit clockgeneration phase locked loop and waits for the phase locked loop tosettle. The control module then takes the physical layer out of resetand waits for a few clock cycles. The control module then sets the forcegated clocks on to zero, which disables the clock signals to the 2^(nd)radio section 20. The control module then writes to the “g” physicallayer override registers to remove overrides on the transmit power-up,receive power-up and synthesizer power-up for the 3^(rd) integratedcircuit. The control module then initializes the digital basebandprocessing module 12 for the “g” mode of operation. The control modulethen sets the crystal oscillator power-down for the 2^(nd) radio section20 to zero via the 4-wire interface. The control module then writes tothe “g” physical layer analog override controls to disable the analogoverrides thus enabling the wireless communication device 20 to operatein the IEEE 802.11g mode.

The control module further functions to switch into the IEEE 802.11amode after a power-on reset condition. In this mode, the control moduleasserts physical reset, sets the “g” mode of operation to zero and setsthe force gated clocks on to 1 and waits for Q clock cycles thusbeginning the clocking circuitry within the 2^(nd) radio section 20. Thecontrol module 76 then selects the 2^(nd) integrated circuit outputclocks for the 1^(st) integrated circuit clock generator phase lockedloop. The control module then disables the crystal oscillator of the1^(st) radio section 18. After a wait period for the phase locked loopof the 1^(st) integrated circuit to settle, the control module takes thephysical layer out of reset within the 1^(st) integrated circuit. Thecontrol module then sets the force gated clocks on to zero for the1^(st) radio section 18. The control module then writes to the “g”physical layer override controls to disable the transmit power-up,receive power-up and synthesizer power-up for the 3^(rd) integratedcircuit. The control module then enables the synthesizer power-up forthe “a” mode of operation and subsequently enables the receive power-up,transmit power-up, RSSI power-up and VCO power-up via the 4-wireinterface for the 2^(nd) radio section 20. The control module thenenables the digital baseband processing module 12 for IEEE 802.11a modeof operation and then writes to the “a” physical layer analog overridecontrols to disable analog overrides such that the wirelesscommunication device 90 is enabled for IEEE 802.11a operations.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the 1^(st) or 2^(nd) radiosections 18 or 20. As shown, each radio section 18 or 20 includes areceiver section and a transmitter section. The receiver sectionincludes a receiver filter module 100 that receives RF signals from theantenna or from a corresponding transmit/receive switch. The receivefilter module 100 bandpass filters that passes RF signals of interest tothe low noise amplifier 102. The low noise amplifier 102 amplifies thesignals and provides it to the down-conversion module 104. Based on areceiver local oscillation (RX LO) the down conversion module 104converts the inbound radio frequency signals to a baseband signal whichis subsequently filtered and/or gain adjusted via the filtering/gainmodule 106. The output of filter/gain module 106 is provided to theanalog-to-digital converter.

The transmitter section includes the filter/gain module 110 thatreceives analog signals from the digital-to-analog converter andprovides them to the up-conversion module 112. The up-conversion module112, based on a transmit local oscillation (TX LO) converts the basebandanalog signals into radio frequency signals that are amplified via poweramplifier 114. The transmit filter module 116 bandpass filters the radiofrequency signals from the power amplifier 114 and provides them eitherto an antenna or to a corresponding transmit switch.

The local oscillation module 108 produces the receive local oscillationand the transmit local oscillation based on internally generated clocksignals or clock signals received from another integrated circuit.

As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, the term“substantially” or “approximately”, as may be used herein, provides anindustry-accepted tolerance to its corresponding term. Such anindustry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to twentypercent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values,integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise andfall times, and/or thermal noise. As one of average skill in the artwill further appreciate, the term “operably coupled”, as may be usedherein, includes direct coupling and indirect coupling via anothercomponent, element, circuit, or module where, for indirect coupling, theintervening component, element, circuit, or module does not modify theinformation of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level,and/or power level. As one of average skill in the art will alsoappreciate, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled toanother element by inference) includes direct and indirect couplingbetween two elements in the same manner as “operably coupled”. As one ofaverage skill in the art will further appreciate, the term “comparesfavorably”, as may be used herein, indicates that a comparison betweentwo or more elements, items, signals, etc., provides a desiredrelationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may beachieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.

The preceding discussion has presented a multimode wirelesscommunication device that is operable in multiple wireless communicationsystems with minimal additional circuitry. As one of average skill inthe art will appreciate, other embodiments may be derived from theteaching of the present invention without deviating from the scope ofthe claims.

1. A multimode wireless communication device comprises: first radiosection operably coupled to convert outbound analog baseband signalsinto first outbound radio frequency (RF) signals and to convert firstinbound RF signals into inbound analog baseband signals when thewireless communication device is in a first mode of operation; a secondradio section operably coupled to convert the outbound analog basebandsignals into second outbound RF signals and to convert second inbound RFsignals into the inbound analog baseband signals when the wirelesscommunication device is in a second mode of operation; a diversityantenna arrangement, that includes a first antenna, a second antenna, afirst diplexer coupled to the first antenna, and a second diplexercoupled to the second antenna, that selectively couples the first radiosection to one of the first antenna and the second antenna, and thatselectively couples the second radio section to one of the first antennaand the second antenna; a first transmit/receive (T/R) switch operablycoupled to the first and second diplexers and to the first radiosection; and a second T/R switch operably coupled to the first andsecond diplexers and to the second radio section.
 2. The multimodewireless communication device of claim 1, wherein, when the wirelesscommunication device is in the first mode of operation, the first T/Rswitch provides the first inbound RF signals from a first selectedantenna of the first and second antennas to the first radio section andprovides the first outbound RF signals from the first radio section tothe first selected antenna.
 3. The multimode wireless communicationdevice of claim 2, wherein, when the wireless communication device is inthe second mode of operation, the second T/R switch provides the secondinbound RF signals from a second selected antenna of the first andsecond antennas to the second radio section and provides the secondoutbound RF signals from the second radio section to the second selectedantenna.
 4. The multimode wireless communication device of claim 1,wherein the first radio section includes a digital baseband processingmodule that functions to convert outbound data into the outbound digitalbaseband signals and to convert the inbound digital baseband signalsinto inbound data in accordance with at least one of IEEE 802.11a, IEEE802.11b, and IEEE 802.11g.
 5. A multimode wireless communication devicecomprises: first radio section operably coupled to convert outboundanalog baseband signals into first outbound radio frequency (RF) signalsand to convert first inbound RF signals into inbound analog basebandsignals when the wireless communication device is in a first mode ofoperation; a second radio section operably coupled to convert theoutbound analog baseband signals into second outbound RF signals and toconvert second inbound RF signals into the inbound analog basebandsignals when the wireless communication device is in a second mode ofoperation; a diplexer section that includes a first diplexer forcoupling to a first antenna, and a second diplexer for coupling to asecond antenna, that selectively couples the first radio section to oneof the first antenna and the second antenna, and that selectivelycouples the second radio section to one of the first antenna and thesecond antenna; a first transmit/receive (T/R) switch operably coupledto the first and second diplexers and to the first radio section; and asecond T/R switch operably coupled to the first and second diplexers andto the second radio section.
 6. The multimode wireless communicationdevice of claim 5, wherein, when the wireless communication device is inthe first mode of operation, the first T/R switch provides the firstinbound RF signals from a first selected antenna of the first and secondantennas to the first radio section and provides the first outbound RFsignals from the first radio section to the first selected antenna. 7.The multimode wireless communication device of claim 6, wherein, whenthe wireless communication device is in the second mode of operation,the second T/R switch provides the second inbound RF signals from asecond selected antenna of the first and second antennas to the secondradio section and provides the second outbound RF signals from thesecond radio section to the second selected antenna.
 8. The multimodewireless communication device of claim 5, wherein the first radiosection includes a digital baseband processing module that functions toconvert outbound data into the outbound digital baseband signals and toconvert the inbound digital baseband signals into inbound data inaccordance with at least one of IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and IEEE802.11g.